Africa-Press – Mauritius. Students were called upon to take a firm stand against cyberbullying at an workshop held today at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Moka, where Government officials and international partners emphasised the urgent need for responsible digital behaviour.
The workshop, launched in presence of the Minister of Education and Human Resources, Dr Mahend Gungapersad, the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Dr Avinash Ramtohul, and the UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Lisa Simrique Singh, aimed at sensitising students, parents and educators to the growing dangers of online harassment and the collective responsibility to foster respect, empathy and safety in the digital space.
In his address, Minister Gungapersad stressed on the degradation of social values in this increasingly evolving technological era.
He underscored the urgent need to guide young people in the responsible use of technology and to foster values of respect and empathy in the digital space.
He further called on the student community to abstain from all forms of bullying and also to denounce and report cases of harassment.
The Minister reiterated Government’s commitment to ensuring the protection and well-being of citizens and the youth online through a series of measures.
Dr Ramtohul highlighted the growing scale of online abuse, noting that over 6,000 cyberbullying cases were reported in 2025, with online harassment the most prevalent.
He emphasised that parents must closely monitor their children’s use of mobile phones and digital technologies, urging them to play their role in ensuring their safety and responsible behaviour online.
Government also is working on legislative measures to reinforce online safety, particularly for children, he added.
For her part, Mrs Singh recalled the lasting psychological and social consequences of cyber bullying on young people.
She underscored that sustained awareness and sensitisation are key to preserving dialogue and constructive social interaction among young people.
She reaffirmed the United Nations’ continued support to Mauritius in strengthening awareness, promoting responsible digital behaviour and advancing a safer online environment for all.
